Range Rover Sport SVR vs. Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Rewind 20 years, and the idea of a high-performance 4×4 was enough to send Porsche purists into a frenzy. But the arrival of the first Cayenne gave birth to the performance off-roader genre, and led to this very battle: the ultimate in sporting, road-focused SUVs.

These two cars have much in common, including performance-enhanced V8 engines, eight-speed automatic gearboxes, quad exhaust systems, adaptive handling settings and bespoke styling touches. The Range Rover is squarer and the more traditional-looking off-roader, while the Porsche is more slippery-looking and more of a crossover.

So, in theory, Porsche should have the advantage. Performance cars are its forte, and the second-generation Cayenne is a much more successful blend of classic Porsche sports car styling cues. But, for all of Porsche’s sporting heritage and knowledge, stepping into the luxury SUV arena it seems to have kicked its football into Range Rover’s back garden. Does it deserve it back? Let’s see.

Under the bonnet

The Range Rover Sport SVR is the first vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) unit, a new internal tuning arm. They’ve inserted an uprated, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine with 542bhp. Pumping out 680Nm of torque and generating 542bhp, it’ll sprint to 60mph in under 5 seconds.

But, on paper at least, the Porsche is the winner here: its twin-turbocharged 4.8-litre V8 develops 800Nm of torque and 562bhp. It’s almost 100kg lighter too, meaning the 0-60mph dash is over in a fraction over 4 seconds. But unless you’re heading to a track, you’ll barely notice the difference between the two.

It’s not all about power, though. Each vehicle features upgraded suspension and tauter handling characteristics, so you can transmit that power to the road. And while the Sport SVR is a performance model, it fundamentally remains a Range Rover, with the mud-plugging ability to match – if you’re heading off-road, it’s the one to choose.

In the cabin

It’s not all about power, though. Each vehicle features upgraded suspension and tauter handling characteristics, so you can transmit that power to the road. And while the Sport SVR is a performance model, it fundamentally remains a Range Rover, with the mud-plugging ability to match – if you’re heading off-road, it’s the one to choose.

Sporty leather seats are provided all-round, with a consummate list of standard equipment, including satellite navigation, a fantastic sound system, so you can set the perfect soundtrack, and an enviable high-riding seating position.

Click on a marque below to see our selection of exotic cars for rental